The sweet smell of success

Krispy Kreme Challenge had runners scarfing doughnuts for charity

After running a mile from the University Orthopedic Clinic to Krispy Kreme, Krystal Garcia grabs a wrist band from a volunteer after she finished eating a dozen doughnuts before she starts the mile run back to the clinic.

Erin Nelson | Tuscaloosa News

By Kris MitchellSpecial to The Tuscaloosa News

Published: Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 11:36 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | By all ways of measuring, Saturday's Krispy Kreme Challenge was a sweet success.

About 500 people signed up for the challenge — to walk or run a mile, eat a dozen doughnuts and then run another mile — with proceeds from the competitors' entry fees going to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama and the downtown YMCA.

Organizers said the strong turnout for Saturday's event has them optimistic about making the Krispy Kreme Challenge an annual Tuscaloosa event.

“We had about 500 show up and this was our first year,” said Tammy Denson, a board member of the YMCA. “Next year we hope to have a thousand.”

The challenge began at 8:30 a.m. at the University Orthopedic Clinic and Spine Center, 305 Paul W. Bryant Drive.

Participants then traveled to the McFarland Boulevard Krispy Kreme, which re-opened in August 2012 after being destroyed in the April 27, 2011 tornado.

The weather for the challenge was more suited for hot coffee than hot doughnuts, with temperatures in the 30s and a brisk breeze.

“We had about three people toss it,” Denson said. She added that those few people were OK, and that she was happy the weather was cold rather than hot.

A similar event at North Carolina State inspired the YMCA to work with Krispy Kreme to start the challenge in Tuscaloosa. The partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters came about from a shared desire.

“One of our board members brought it (the Krispy Kreme) Challenge (to Tuscaloosa),” Danielle McInerney, CEO of Big Brother Big Sister, said. “The Y (YMCA) had the same idea, so we decided to hold the event together.” McInerney said the money raised will benefit both organizations and that she was happy with the challenge.

“The cold weather might have kept a few hundred people home,” McInerney said. “But we still had a good number register.”

To be eligible for the cash prizes — $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third — participants had to eat all dozen doughnuts in the middle of the race. However, participants could eat as many doughnuts, or few, as they wished.

Jake Sosna earned first place, with Anthony Bombik finishing second and Stuart Kenyon in third place.

All 500 participants received nylon sports bags from Bryant Bank and Krispy Kreme Challenge T-shirts. Other prizes given away included a Kindle Fire and Chuck's Fish or Five Bar gift certificates.

The YMCA plans to use money raised by the challenge to help fund their programs and scholarships for local youths.

Big Brothers Big Sisters plans to use the proceeds to defray the costs of matching students with mentors.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | By all ways of measuring, Saturday's Krispy Kreme Challenge was a sweet success.</p><p>About 500 people signed up for the challenge — to walk or run a mile, eat a dozen doughnuts and then run another mile — with proceeds from the competitors' entry fees going to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama and the downtown YMCA.</p><p>Organizers said the strong turnout for Saturday's event has them optimistic about making the Krispy Kreme Challenge an annual Tuscaloosa event.</p><p>“We had about 500 show up and this was our first year,” said Tammy Denson, a board member of the YMCA. “Next year we hope to have a thousand.” </p><p>The challenge began at 8:30 a.m. at the University Orthopedic Clinic and Spine Center, 305 Paul W. Bryant Drive.</p><p>Participants then traveled to the McFarland Boulevard Krispy Kreme, which re-opened in August 2012 after being destroyed in the April 27, 2011 tornado.</p><p>The weather for the challenge was more suited for hot coffee than hot doughnuts, with temperatures in the 30s and a brisk breeze.</p><p>The challenge required strong lungs, strong legs and a strong stomach, but some participants couldn't quite handle eating a dozen doughnuts.</p><p>“We had about three people toss it,” Denson said. She added that those few people were OK, and that she was happy the weather was cold rather than hot. </p><p>A similar event at North Carolina State inspired the YMCA to work with Krispy Kreme to start the challenge in Tuscaloosa. The partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters came about from a shared desire. </p><p>“One of our board members brought it (the Krispy Kreme) Challenge (to Tuscaloosa),” Danielle McInerney, CEO of Big Brother Big Sister, said. “The Y (YMCA) had the same idea, so we decided to hold the event together.” McInerney said the money raised will benefit both organizations and that she was happy with the challenge. </p><p>“The cold weather might have kept a few hundred people home,” McInerney said. “But we still had a good number register.”</p><p>To be eligible for the cash prizes — $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third — participants had to eat all dozen doughnuts in the middle of the race. However, participants could eat as many doughnuts, or few, as they wished.</p><p>Jake Sosna earned first place, with Anthony Bombik finishing second and Stuart Kenyon in third place.</p><p>All 500 participants received nylon sports bags from Bryant Bank and Krispy Kreme Challenge T-shirts. Other prizes given away included a Kindle Fire and Chuck's Fish or Five Bar gift certificates. </p><p>The YMCA plans to use money raised by the challenge to help fund their programs and scholarships for local youths. </p><p>Big Brothers Big Sisters plans to use the proceeds to defray the costs of matching students with mentors.</p>